When it comes to creating a true theater experience at home, today's ultra short throw (UST) projectors are revolutionizing what's possible. I've spent considerable time with both the Hisense PX3-PRO ($3,299) and Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 ($3,499), and they represent the cutting edge of what's available in early 2024. Let's dive into what makes these projectors special and help you decide which one might be right for your setup.
Before we compare these specific models, it's worth understanding what makes UST projectors unique. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors can sit just inches away while still creating massive images (100+ inches). This means no more ceiling mounts or dealing with people walking through the projection beam.
The Hisense PX3-PRO uses a triple laser system (called RGB laser) that creates colors directly, while the Epson LS800 employs a 3LCD system with a blue laser and phosphor wheel. This technical difference has real-world implications:
This is where these projectors really differentiate themselves:
In my testing, the Epson maintained better image quality during daytime viewing, while the Hisense showed its strengths during darker viewing conditions.
Both projectors offer 4K resolution, but they achieve it differently:
Modern projectors are essentially smart TVs, and both of these units deliver:
The Hisense PX3-PRO includes:
The Epson LS800 offers:
For gamers, both projectors offer solid performance, but with different strengths:
Hisense:
Epson:
In a dedicated home theater setting, a few key factors emerge:
Both projectors work best with ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screens, but they're not included. Budget an additional $500-1,500 for a quality screen.
The Epson has a slightly shorter throw ratio, meaning it can sit closer to the wall. Both units need careful placement and leveling for optimal performance.
At around $3,300-3,500, these projectors represent significant investments. However, they replace both a TV and sound system while providing much larger images than comparably priced TVs.
The Hisense PX3-PRO, released in late 2023, improved upon its predecessor with:
The Epson LS800, while slightly older (late 2021), remains competitive thanks to:
Both the Hisense PX3-PRO and Epson LS800 represent excellent values in the UST projector space. Your choice should primarily depend on your viewing environment and priorities. For a dedicated home theater room, I'd lean toward the Hisense for its superior color accuracy and HDR performance. For a bright living room or multipurpose space, the Epson's additional brightness makes it the better choice.
Remember that either projector will need proper placement and a good screen to reach its full potential. Take time to plan your installation and consider professional setup if you're not confident about placement and calibration.
| Hisense PX3-PRO $3,299 | Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 $3,499 |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Most critical spec for daytime viewing | |
| 3,000 ANSI lumens (good for moderate lighting) | 4,000 lumens (excellent for bright rooms) |
| Contrast Ratio - Determines black level quality and image depth | |
| 3,000:1 native | 2,500,000:1 dynamic (better for dark scenes) |
| Color Technology - Impacts color accuracy and vibrancy | |
| Triple RGB laser (superior color accuracy) | 3LCD with blue laser (more consistent brightness) |
| HDR Support - Affects dynamic range and color in modern content | |
| HDR10+, Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced (comprehensive) | HDR10 only (basic support) |
| Gaming Features - Important for responsiveness | |
| HDMI 2.1, 4K/120Hz capable (better for next-gen) | 16.7ms input lag, 1080p/120Hz (faster response) |
| Smart Platform - Determines streaming experience | |
| Google TV (full app support, including Netflix) | Android TV (good but more limited) |
| Sound System - Built-in audio quality | |
| 50W Harman Kardon (better clarity) | 20W Yamaha 2.1 (good bass) |
| Throw Ratio - Distance needed from wall | |
| 0.25:1 (12.8" for 100" screen) | 0.16:1 (10.2" for 100" screen) |
| Light Source Life - Long term reliability | |
| 25,000 hours laser life | 20,000 hours laser life |
| Best Use Case - When to choose this model | |
| Dedicated home theater, gaming setup | Bright rooms, mixed-use spaces |
The Hisense PX3-PRO ($3,299) is better suited for dedicated home theaters due to its superior HDR support, better color accuracy, and triple laser technology. While the Epson is brighter, in a controlled lighting environment, the Hisense's picture quality advantages become more apparent.
The Epson LS800 ($3,499) is significantly better for bright rooms with its 4,000 lumens compared to the Hisense's 3,000 ANSI lumens. This makes the Epson more versatile for daytime viewing or rooms with ambient light.
Yes, both projectors perform best with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen specifically designed for UST projectors. Without the right screen, you'll lose contrast and image quality regardless of which model you choose.
The Hisense PX3-PRO offers HDMI 2.1 and better HDR gaming support, while the Epson LS800 has lower input lag. For next-gen console gaming, the Hisense has an edge, but both perform well for casual gaming.
The Hisense has an advantage with its Google TV platform, offering better app support including certified Netflix access. The Epson's Android TV is good but more limited in app selection.
The Hisense offers better color accuracy and HDR support (including Dolby Vision), while the Epson provides higher brightness and contrast ratio. In dark rooms, the Hisense typically looks better; in bright rooms, the Epson wins.
Both are ultra-short throw projectors, but the Epson has a slightly shorter throw ratio (0.16:1 vs 0.25:1), meaning it can sit closer to the wall for the same size image.
The Hisense PX3-PRO features a superior 50W Harman Kardon system, though both projectors should ideally be paired with a proper home theater audio setup for the best experience.
The Hisense offers 25,000 hours of laser life compared to the Epson's 20,000 hours. Both should last many years under normal use.
While both can be self-installed, professional installation is recommended for optimal performance. Precise alignment is crucial for UST projectors, and proper screen mounting is essential.
At similar price points ($3,299 for Hisense vs $3,499 for Epson), value depends on use case. The Epson LS800 offers better value for bright rooms, while the Hisense PX3-PRO is better value for dedicated theater spaces.
Yes, both can replace a TV, but the Epson is better suited for this due to its higher brightness. The Hisense performs better in more controlled lighting conditions typical of dedicated viewing spaces.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: shop.hisense-usa.com - avsforum.com - youtube.com - projectorcentral.com - avsforum.com - youtube.com - projectorreviews.com - avsforum.com - projectorcentral.com - en.heimkinowelten.de - dreamediaav.com - techradar.com - danamic.org - projectorscreen.com - projectorcentral.com - epson.com - dreamediaav.com - dell.com - rtings.com - avsforum.com - audiogeneral.com - news.epson.com - projectorcentral.com
